January 2024
Ruthanne
Strange
,
RN
Neonatal intensive care
The University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Cincinnati
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

She was kind and gentle with us and made us feel comfortable. She comforted us as we held our son as he took his last breath in our arms.
On the absolute worst day of our lives, Ruthanne was able to soften the blow. After rushing to the hospital when we were told our son probably wouldn't survive, Ruthanne immediately jumped in and became our saving grace when we arrived. We had never had her as our son's nurse before this day. But she acted like she had known us for years. She asked if we needed anything, told us what was going on, and constantly checked on us. She prayed with us over our son, which meant a lot to us. She explained everything 2-3 times just to make sure we understood and would explain it again every time we asked for clarification. She was able to update our families on everything that was going on, so we didn't have to worry about it and explain it. In the worst situation, Ruthanne was there through every step of the way. When it was time for shift change, she decided to stay. She said she would ride this out with us no matter how long it took for our son to pass. She stayed for hours after her shift was over so that we wouldn't have to change to another nurse during this difficult process. She was kind and gentle with us and made us feel comfortable. She comforted us as we held our son as he took his last breath in our arms. After he passed, she stayed for hours to help us with all the photos, keepsakes, and paperwork. I will forever be grateful for her. For someone I had never met but is now someone who I will forever remember. Someone who was a light in our darkest day. Ruthanne went above and beyond, and we are so thankful that she was there to help us with the loss of our sweet baby.